A leather couch can be a wonderful centerpiece for a den area. It is also a fantastic magnet for stains, wear, and messes. If you learn how to clean a leather couch, you can prevent these stains from becoming a permanent addition to your furniture.

How to clean leather couch

When you spill food, beverages or anything on your leather couch, you need to attend to it immediately. The best way to maintain your leather couch long term is to do light cleaning regularly, about once a week.

This could just be vacuuming crumbs or hairs from the couch, or brushing the leather to keep it fresh.

Bigger cleaning projects are necessary to maintain its overall appearance.. It is crucial to check the cleaning codes on your leather couch’s tag or manual before making any purchases..

From there you can determine what products you can and cannot use on the furniture. Using alcohol, for example, when the tag calls for water-based cleaners can leave blotches on your leather couch.

If at any point you find yourself at a loss, do not be too proud to call a professional. They will be able to identify what type of leather couch you have and use the appropriate cleaner. You can also check your retailer’s website to view what cleaners or advice they provide.

What you will need for all the following cleaning methods

• baking soda
• cotton balls
• isopropyl alcohol
• leather cleaner (preferably as recommended by the retailer)
• leather conditioner
• 3 or 4 lint-free cloths
• mild dish soap
• vacuum (with upholstery attachment)
• vinegar
• water

Regular maintenance

First start with giving your leather couch a good vacuum. Use an upholstery attachment so you can brush the leather at the same time. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water to create a potent cleaning agent. Next take your lint-free cloth, dip it into the solution, and wring it until just damp.

Work the leather couch in sections. Rub in small circles as to not upset the fabric. Make sure that you have cleaned the entire couch. Dry the sofa using another cloth.

Alternatively, you may have bought leather cleaner, which you would use instead. Check with the leather cleaner for what is required, and make sure to follow the directions to the letter! Once your couch has been thoroughly cleaned, move on to the next step.

Conditioning your leather

Now we are going to apply leather conditioner, which leaves the lather smelling fresh and looking renewed,.It can be applied in a variety of ways: sprays, creams, etc. Whichever manner you choose, follow the instructions for the best results.

Use another lint-free cloth to buff the leather cleaner onto your couch. Be meticulous about this, as one small spot will be obvious! Leather conditioners may need to set for an hour up to a day. Pay attention to what the retailer states is necessary.

And just like that, you are done! Repeat this cleaning process once every six months to a year. Most experts recommend cleaning light-colored leather couches more often than dark-colored couches. Knowing how to clean a leather couch could extend your couch for a lifetime.

How to clean up spills

Before using any of these methods, check the tag first to see which cleaning method is recommended. Remember these methods are more effective when applied immediately after an accident.

Water and soap

Put a dash of mild dish soap in warm water and dip in a clean cloth. Wring it until just wet. Dab or rub the area in small circles. This will work with the leather; back-and-forth motions will be abrasive against leather.

In some cases you can use equal parts water and vinegar as an effective spot treatment. Rub in the same manner described before.

Ink Stains

With ink, you must act quickly. Pour some isopropyl alcohol onto a cotton ball and dab the ink stain until it lifts from the fabric. When it is all up, wipe dry with a clean cloth. If any stains persist, you should consult a professional for further advice.

Grease

Food and other oily substances get on leather couches more often than not. To handle these spills, we need baking soda (or flour, cornstarch, etc.) and a clean dry cloth.

Sprinkle just enough baking soda to cover the spill. Allow it to soak up the oil for a few hours before touching it. After waiting, wipe off the excess powder with a dry cloth. Now wet the cloth with warm water and wring it dry. Dab or rub any remaining residue in small circles